Moana
Shorelines
Shorelines symbolise opportunities for Vā, authentic relational interactions with Pasifika young people and their aiga/kainga/anau/families/whānau. The shoreline symbolises a privileged position where practitioners support Pasifika young people to express their dreams and aspirations. Shorelines are shaped by the young person identifying their direction. The shoreline enables practitioners to support and encourage growth of hope, self-belief, dreams, resources of new opportunities, and encourage young people to embark on ambitious journeys.
Apply Shorelines in your Practice
• Value the Turanga (essence from one’s status, position, geneology) of Pasifika youth.
• Relationally connect to enhance wellbeing.
• Support dreams and hold hope through nurturing the Vā.
• Adapt with agility while honouring and valuing what is shared with you.
Reflection Questions
What is the unique essence of this Pasifika youth and how am I valuing this?
Culturally how am I understanding possible pathways for the Pasifika young person?
What resources do I need to bring to this shoreline for this Pasifika youth to achieve their aspirations?
Is my practice agile and adaptive to the needs of this Pasifika youth?
Dive deeper and see a Samoan perspective on values related to Shorelines
Relationship – Vā: The vā considers the relationships that exist, not only between people, but also with the environment, context, faith and ancestors. Faigaluega a le autalavou understand the importance of holism in youth development. Tausi le vā – build and nurture a relationship that helps talavou achieve their goals.
The village - O le Nu’u: Recognise the collective that talavou are part of and that faigaluega a le autalavou are part of.
Autonomy - Tū to‘atasi: Talavou have choices and we help them to navigate their own journey. However, we acknowledge that their autonomy may sit within wider contexts of village, culture and spirituality, and our role is to nurture and support them to find their place in these contexts. There exists a tension between the individual and collective, and potentially what can they do for the ‘village’ through tautua (service) and similarly what can the village do for them.
Safety – Saogalēmū: Culturally sustaining, and creating safe, neutral spaces for talavou.
